Abstract: A method and apparatus for an extensible, format-independent middleware message interpreter is disclosed in which a host machine is configured with a universal message service (UMS). The UMS communicates with local and cloud servers and destination devices. The UMS is configured with a plug-in service that can accommodate plug-in libraries of plug-in modules. The UMS receives formatted messages from the local and cloud server applications and destination devices, parses the messages, and identifies a command message type. Based on the command message type, the UMS performs actions including executing the local command on the host machine, relaying the embedded-sub-message data to the at least one destination device as indicated by the destination identification, and relaying the embedded-sub-message data to the plug-in service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement a unified and decentralized machine interface for control of multi-printer systems is disclosed. A master controller device accepts a selection control from a user indicating a plurality of selected printers from printers connected to the master controller device by a network. The master controller device accepts an operation control from the user, indicating at least one printer operation to be performed on the plurality of selected printers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement a unified and decentralized machine interface for control of multi-printer systems is disclosed. A master controller device accepts a selection control from a user indicating a plurality of selected printers from printers connected to the master controller device by a network. The master controller device accepts an operation control from the user, indicating at least one printer operation to be performed on the plurality of selected printers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an extensible, format-independent middleware message interpreter is disclosed in which a host machine is configured with a universal message service (UMS). The UMS communicates with local and cloud servers and destination devices. The UMS is configured with a plug-in service that can accommodate plug-in libraries of plug-in modules. The UMS receives formatted messages from the local and cloud server applications and destination devices, parses the messages, and identifies a command message type. Based on the command message type, the UMS performs actions including executing the local command on the host machine, relaying the embedded-sub-message data to the at least one destination device as indicated by the destination identification, and relaying the embedded-sub-message data to the plug-in service.

Abstract: A printer control system correlates a user identity with a hierarchy of persistent printer control settings, and adapts the hierarchy according to stored policies by disabling changes to particular printer control settings of the hierarchy. The system forms a network response communication that includes different types of graphical user interface control settings, a first type to control the operation of a printer, and a second type to control a position of the settings to control the printer in the hierarchy of persistent printer control settings.